Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-12-28
PLANS TO CORRECT ERROR

PLANS TO CORRECT ERROR.
The accounts from the Placer county
citrus fruit exhibit in Los Angeles all
agree that great portion Of our citizens
in the southern section were honestly of
the belief that the northern and central
parts o, the State were not dramatically
adapted TO the growth OF semi-tropical
products, and were indeed rather arctic
than otherwise in climate.
No doubt can now be entertained that
the absolute condition precedent to the in
coming OF the population we desire, ana
the settlement Of our empire of fertile
valley and rich foothill sections, is the
complete removal Of the erroneous I'M
pressions that have obtained abroad con-
corning the north, its climate, its soil and
its products. 1t is useless and proiitless to
now inquire how these errors were pro-
nulgated; We know that in some degree
they we're Industrially fostered by design
ing men, who were so shortsighted as to
imagine that he rises best, who does so by
pulling down others. In some degree the
error is natural, because Of the common
Interpretation of the word northern, which
associates it with arctic rigors. 1t is
enough TO know now, that the erroneous
belief can be best removed by ocular proofs
Our immigration literature operates but
slowly in disabusing the strangers mind of
the misconception. He takes for granted
that the pamphleteers who laud land,
present the bright and conceal the dark
side of the picture. But if that literature
is fortified by practical demonstrations,
such as exhibition of the products of the
country, the stranger does not demand to
have the tree and vine and plant also
shown
There are two methods of presenting
this necessary testimony, the effect Of
which is convincing evidence Both of
them should be employed, and the sooner
we set about il the better for US. One of
these, and the chief, is the maintenance at
the East of exhibits of our products. These
exhibitions need not be large, but should
be quite numerous. OF course they are
costly enterprises, but if measured by the
results certain to flow from them, they are
the most economic as they certainly are
the speediest. The second method is that
proposed by the REcoRD-UNIoN two or
three months ago. approved in elaborate
treatment of the subject by the oakland
Tribune, Endorsed by the northern press
generally, and which met, we are informed,
with the cordial personal Concurrence of
members of the directory of the State
Board of Trade. 1t is simply the employ
ment of the magic lantern as means of
addressing the intelligence of the East.
In its improved forms, this simple optical
instrumen. is capable of presenting with
great effectiveness, i'll an enlarged form,
Photographic copies OF any object, and
with a vividness and accuracy that disposes
effectually of any doubts as to the honesty
Of the view.
Five thousand dollars, the RECORD
UNION ascertained, will procure an elabor-
ate outfit, secure some two or three hun
dred Photographic transparencies, and pay
a capable lecturer and an assistant, and all
their expenses, to travel throughout the
East giving free stereopticon entertain
ments for some months with Central and
Northern California views, in summer
and winter, Of products in orchard,
vineyard, farm and market, and accom-
panying these always pleasant exhibitions
with practical and well delivered lecture
upon our claims and the invitation we ex-
tend to home-seekers. Immigration litera-
ture should at the same time be freely dis
tributed.
Many years ago such plan was adopted
in the interests of Santa Barbara, and
though very limited in its capacity, and
not presented by as effective a speaker as
might have been chosen, the success of the
enterprise was pronounced, and its bene-
fetal effects are felt to this dav. If
private scheme involving some millions of
dollars and the improvement of landed
estate was involved, five or ten thousand
dollars would not stand in the way of the
employment of such an agency an hour,
if those interested were convinced of its
effectiveness. No person conversant with
the Eastern sentiment, and familiar with
the educational means suggested, who has
been consulted upon the plan, has ex-
pressed any doubt of its complete success;
on the contrary, every one of very many
advised with has given it hearty approval
Both the exhibition and the spectacular
agencies ought to be employed. But it is
too much to expect of any one county the
payment of all the advance costs. What
one does in these directions inures TO the
benefit of all. The inspiring venture of
Placer in Los Angeles, for instance, bene-
fits nearly equally Suffer, Butte, Yolo,
Sacramento, Solano, and Tehama. What
we need, therefore, is division of burdens
but union of effort. Through the State
Board of Trade probably the speediest and
most effective work could he accomplished.
II the counties of the north will ask that
body to send exhibits and exhibitors East.
and furnish the Board with the means. it
is entirely probable that the organization, !
which is composed of energetic and far
seeing men, will undertake the executive
task. The only question remaining then !
is, "Will the central and northern counties
do it?"
There have been made in the northern
section half dozen efforts to bring about
unity of action in immigration matters,
but all accomplishment resulting has been
short-lived, confession that is humiliat- |
ing to make. In the State Board of Trade. !
however, We see an agency about which |
the counties most concerned may cluster. |
and an influence they may reasonably en-
ploy in such schemes as proposed, without
in any wise iuvolvioo, OH z..